I'm originally from the UK, have lived in NZ for quite a few years.
Sure, NZ has got its fair share of bad people, but my experience of public behaviour here is much better than my experience in the UK.
What really caught the nation's attention was the littering of Takupuna beach along with the standover tactics toward members of the public who told them to pick it up. That sort of thing really annoys people here. Had it not been for that, I suspect the dinner and dashes and shoplifting wouldn't have been news.
In all the years I lived in Britain I don't think I ever saw any member of the public tell a bunch of louts to pick up their litter.
I have no doubt that they came here thinking they could behave just as they would at home, and in consequence they've bitten off more than they can chew.
To be honest, I'm glad they've got a good public shaming. It means they won't be able to rip off anyone else, and it will remind people in general that there are consequences to behaving like an arsehole in public. And while I feel a bit sorry for the kids, the hat and the pizza memes are very funny.
As for the 'hiding', well, if they're not enjoying their stay, they're most welcome to leave.